TALKS will go on until early in the New Year in a bid to save up to 100 jobs at a North Wales chemical plant.

Great Lakes Chemicals, at Amlwch, Angle-sey, is due to close in January and according to union sources hopes of keeping the plant open are slim.

But Tom Jones, North Wales' Transport and General Workers Union organiser, stressed talks with the management would continue.

"We will fight this all the way. We have still got a lot of arguing to do and points to make.

"We will not give up on this and will certainly be meeting for more discussions after Christmas. Even if we can't save the plant we have got a lot to negotiate over terms and company payouts to the workers."

Mr Jones was unable to attend discussions at the plant last Friday but will be fully briefed by representatives from other trade unions over the coming days.

Up to 100 specialist chemical jobs are in the balance after the American Great Lakes Chemical Corporation announced plans in the autumn to close the plant.

It launched a three-month consultation process.

Last month Welsh Assembly ministers revealed the company has been offered £1.8m to stay open. It could otherwise face the prospect of repaying hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Assembly.

Ministers agreed to give the cash to help secure its future.

But if the plant closes, they will demand repayment of £772,000 already handed out.